Reformed gang member writes book in hope of inspiring children

By Nikki Jarvis

nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk

A former gang member has written a book based on his mistakes in the hope that kids across Croydon will be inspired to lead better lives.

When Andre Thompson-Smith was kicked out of school for fighting he fell into a downward spiral which ended with him being stabbed.

His autobiographical book focuses on his time as part of Croydon gang Dirty 30 between the ages of 15 to 18.

In the hope of getting his message to even more people, he also plans to tour Croydon schools to urge teenagers to steer clear of gangs.

The 22-year-old, from Upper Norwood, said: "Kids today look at people with money like drug dealers or rich stars who glamorise drug dealing and think to themselves 'I want to be just like them and be able to have whatever I want'.

"But they don't understand the awful things some people do to get that money before it's too late.

"I robbed people to get money and it runs out so quickly it's not long before you're doing it again and it's no way to live."

Andre hopes girls in particular will take heed of the advice in his book.

He explained: "Girl gang members are almost always there just because they have fallen in love with a boy who is part of it.

"They don't understand that these boys are just using them.

"I have included graphic and honest chapters about how guys treat these girls and I would love it if my warnings could make them think twice and change their lives for the better.

"Parents also need to be aware of what is going on and try to live the way they want their children to act – I want them to realise everything they do registers in a child's mind."

Having finished his book, Andre is now looking for a publisher, and is relieved he has turned his life around.

He added: "I have managed to get away from gangs without going to jail or being killed and this is my way of giving something back to the community."